travel – Page 17 – SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR)

Laos: Buddhist Temple – “Golden Ground of Ram” [ວັດໃໝ່ ສຸວັນນະພູມາຣາມ – Wat Mai Suvanna Bhumi Ram]

04/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Laos is a Socialist (Marxist-Leninist) State. Religious freedom is guaranteed as a private matter (through the separation of Temple and State) whilst Theravada Buddhism is the tradition religion of the people. Therefore, Laos may be considered a Buddhist-Socialist State – as the Buddhist Masters advocate Socialism and Dhamma in equal measure. In English, this old temple should be literally known as the “New Temple” – due to its relatively recent repair (just over 200-years) – by Royal Command. As to the Pali name – it translates as “Golden Ground of Ram” – “Ram” is an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu. Throughout Southeast Asia and beyond, ancient Brahmanism spread far and wide from India – before the rise and spread of Buddhism. By the time Buddhism arrived in the region – Brahmanism was already in-place – with the Buddha being associated with Vishnu (even in modern India – many contemporary Hindus count the Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu [Ram] sent to earth to encourage vegetarianism).

Laos Buddhist Socialist Republic: Vang Vieng District Recognized as a National Tourist Destination! (3.2.2025)

03/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

The purpose of the Master Plan is to serve as a reference for the government, business, and other stakeholders in developing the tourist destination in a way that does not affect the environment and ensures sustainability. This Master Plan covers a total area of 23,456 hectares, including Vang Vieng City and the surrounding landscape along the valley and the Nam Song River. Currently, the city centre and surrounding areas cover a total area of 6,553 hectares, covering 15 villages and the city centre area covers an area of approximately 185 hectares.

UK: Email – Alek Yerbury Vs Robert the Farter! (3.2.2025)

03/02/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

As a former Squaddie in the British Army, would you order such flatulent bastards to be shot on sight? Would they be shot in the arse-hole? Is passing wind from the anus – tantamount to a “sexual offense”? Where do you draw the line? Where do you stand on this issue – bolt-upright – I hope! Of course, we understand this might be a sensitive issue for you – as many of your public speeches have been described (by the liberal press) as “farting into a bucket”. We are also aware that the surname of Katy – “Fanning” – was ordered changed by yourself due to its association with a swear-word associated with the female never-regions. Now, Katy is known as “Paris” – after the city in which you lost your virginity – allegedly.

Laos: 50 Elephant Festival to be Held in Xayaboury! (30.1.2025)

30/01/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

The festival aims to preserve Laos’ dwindling elephant population, which is at risk of extinction, while inspiring support for their conservation and ensuring their cultural significance endures, Lao national TV reported on Thursday.

Each year, the festival attracts large crowds to Xayaboury, where visitors can witness the majestic elephants, trained and led by their mahouts.

This year, 50 elephants will participate in the festival, reflecting the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The festival will kick off with a mini-marathon and elephant rides, followed by cultural performances. A street market will offer a variety of products from Laos and beyond.

London: Chinese New Year Dim Sum (Yum Cha)! (26.1.2025)

26/01/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

We knew that the Saturday before Chinese New Year would mean that London’s Chinatown (Gerrard Street) would be packed so we got early (ish) to get out on the road by around 10am (early for a Saturday). We drove to Morden Tube Station (Northernline) and headed into Central London (Leicester Square). Actually, although busy, I think the crowd numbers were down on previous (pre-Covid) years! Still, less crowds equals less stress – although the staff of the New Loon Fung Restaurant were on edge – expecting a massive influx for “Dim Sum” (Chinese breakfast)!

China: Socialist Technology Develops “Super-Sonic” Aeroplane”! (21.1.2025)

21/01/2025 Adrian (釋大道)

Concorde, the first supersonic passenger-carrying commercial airplane, was built jointly by aircraft manufacturers in the United Kingdom and France. It was first flown in 1969 and was put into commercial operation in 1976. However, the epochal jetliner did not fit well in the civil aviation industry due to its loud noise, high fares, stringent requirements for airports and environmental impact.

If everything goes according to plan, the prototype for a commercial-use supersonic airliner named Dasheng — or Monkey King, a legendary hero in Chinese mythology — is expected to conduct its maiden flight in 2030. If that becomes reality, Dasheng will revolutionize the global air transportation sector, he added.

“Just imagine making an intercontinental flight within just two to three hours that you would now spend 10 hours or longer on,” Deng said.

Internationally, enterprises in the United States and Europe have been racing to design and construct a new generation of supersonic airliners to meet the potential demand of fast intercontinental travel.

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